“It’s always close to my heart to play the tournament at home. I am ready mentally and physically. I gained confidence in this month of January, I can’t wait to be there,” Cazaux assured Saturday at a press conference.
“I’m going to give it my all. I have no limits, I want to go as far as possible. This is a tough tournament, where we will have to go into battle. It wouldn’t be bad to win in Montpellier,” added the man who, as a guest, reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open (stopped 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 by Hubert Hurlacz after a course during which he notably eliminated Holger Rune).
Cazaux (21), who has an invitation, will face the German Maximilian Marterer in the first round. After measuring the impact in France of his exploits in Australia, he knows that he will be eagerly awaited for this first tournament played at home.
“I don’t know if I’m seen as a top seed after beating three big players. I’m only 80th in the world. The media are very excited, that’s how it is in France. But, I remain the same, I have a lot to prove, the hardest part is yet to come,” he warned.
“I’m not used to everyone coming up to me and asking me questions. It’s a good sign, but I must not waste too much energy on the sidelines,” he also admitted.
During the 14th edition of the Montpellier tournament, Cazaux could find one of his main victims in Australia, the Dane Holger Rune, whom he eliminated in the 2nd round in Melbourne. “If I ever find him, it will be hard, he will be in trouble,” Cazaux also said.
In the meantime, on Sunday at La Mosson, Cazaux is preparing to kick off the Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Lille, at the invitation of President Laurent Nicollin.
“I have been one of the club’s biggest fans since I was little. Kicking off is a childhood dream, I can’t wait to be there,” he smiles.